Bowling ball handle



March 13, 1956 Q WELLS 2,738,192

BOWLING BALL HANDLE Filed Feb. 8, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fire. 2

674421.55 L. Elk-2.1.5, INVENTOR.

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BOWLING BALL HANDLE Filed Feb. 8, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 14 I U I 52 62/421. ES L. 71751.45,

INVENTOR.

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United States Patent BOWLING BALL HANDLE Charles L. Wells, Torrance, Calif.

Application February 8, 1954, Serial No. 408,782

This invention relates to handles for bowling balls and is particularly concerned with a readily attachable and detachable handle by means of which handicapped, infirm or persons without the strength required to grip or throw a bowling ball may become fully capable of prolonged, accurate and skillful participation in conventional bowling.

Handles have heretofore been suggested for bowling balls to aid those not capable through injury, deformity or weakness of grasping the conventional bowling ball or propelling it with required force. However such devices have for the most part required modifications of the ball to adapt them for engagement and release by such handles. Prior devices have also been complicated in structure, expensive to manufacture, and difficult of manipulation. Further inhibiting their general acceptance is' the fact that in use such devices do not lend themselves to the same sort of technique which contributes to successful skill in bowling and hence attempted use of such devices emphasizes rather than minimizes the users handicap. The user is further alienated from the regular player in that the skills developed are not in the nature of those producing proficiency in direct handling of. the ball and a mutuality of competitive abilities is thus lacking.

In normal bowling, by direct handling of the ball by insertion of the thumb and one or more fingers in the grip holes of the ball, the usual hurling movement for right-handed bowlers is with the left foot extended and the right arm swinging forward parallel to the direction of the alley and that towards which the body is facing, due consideration'being had for individual choices as to discharging the ball from one or the other side as may be desired. An important feature of the technique of the skillful player is the final relaxing of the grip in the ball at the moment of release and the synchronism of such relaxing with arm and body movements. To effectively incorporate these same skill requirements in the use of a handle for bowling balls, the handle must be such as to provide for release from the ball by a similar synchronized relaxing of the hand.

While it is, of course, among the general objects of the present invention to provide a novel, simple, improved, eifective and efiicient bowling ball handle, it is more specifically an object of the invention to provide a handle for bowling balls, the manipulation of which simulates that used in' the more usual hand gripping of the ball, and which in use responds in accuracy of play to the same types of skill developed for accuracy in direct handling of the ball.

Another object is to provide a readily attachable and releasable bowling ball handle which maybe used with any conventional bowling ball with any modifications, alterations, or the application of cooperating fixtures to such conventional balls.

A further object of the invention is to provide a handle which may be repeatedly attached andreleased without damage to'a conventional ball such as the marring or 2,738,192 Patented Mar. '13, 1956 2 5: scratching of its surface or damage and wear of the finger gripping hole.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a handle which is light, durable and rugged so as to be easily handled, dependable, uniform in application and engagement, while providing a long life of carefree use.

Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings disclosing by way of example two practical embodiments of the manner in which the inventive concept may be carried out.

In the drawings,

Figure l is a perspective view of one form of the invention shown applied to and engaged with a conventional bowling ball;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the handle applied to the ball as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side elevation of the handle of Figures 1 and 2 with portions of the handle and ball shown in section and with the handle applied to but not engaged with the ball;

Figure 4 is a detailed side elevation of the ball-gripping means as shown in Figure 3 with such means in engaged position; 1

Figure 5 is a detailed section similar to Figure 4 taken at right angles to Figure 4; and t Figure 6 is a View similar to Figure 3 showing the modification of the device for applying a spin to the ball as it is hurled.

In general terms that form of the invention presented by way of illustration in Figuresl to 5 inclusive may be broadly defined as comprising a ball surface-engaging area, a handle connected therewith, and an expansible ball hole-engaging member controllable by a finger lever operable to release the member as the fingers relax at the end of the forward throwing movement of the bowlers arm. More specifically that form of the invention provides two spaced and padded areas of the ball surface contact with the handle spanning such surfaces and with the engaging member in the form of a resilient plug readily expansible upon longitudinal contraction under the pressure of the finger lever when the handle is tightly grasped. In the modified form of the device for applying spin to the ball, a second hole-engaging member is provided which may be laterally moved with respect to a second ball hole, by

gripping action so that the hurlers wrist movement may impart rotation of the ball on a vertical axis as it is thrown.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 5 inclusive of the draw ings, the conventional bowling ball is indicated by the numeral 10. A finger grip hole is indicated at 11. For simplicity in disclosure only one hole is here illustrated, and it may be assumed that the hole shown is the usual relatively large thumb hole of the ball. The device may, however, be of such design and dimension as to apply to the usual smaller finger hole of the ball. it will also be understood that the 'device is applicable without change or modification to either twoor three-hole balls.

The handle may be conveniently formed of a pair of generally similar cooperating side members 12 and 13. Wood, plastic orlight metal may be used in the manufacture of the members 12 and 13, but wood or plastic is deemed preferable as more comfortable to handle, better adapted to secure gripping and less likely to damage the ball if accidentally struck against its surface. The members 12 and 13 are adapted to be permanently joined in face-to-face contact as shown, by securing bolts or rivets 14 forming a permanent integral handle structure. It will, of course, be understood that the two-part construction shown facilitates manufacture and precludes the necessity of recessing a solid piece for reception of the gripping mechanism hereafter discussed.

However, the invention is not confined to this feature of preferred construction, and a single-member may be used or other divisions of the handle may be elected if so desired.

The composite handle formed of the united side members 12 and 13, is substantially of general U-shape, having front and rear legs 15 and 16 respectively, and an intermediate bridging section 17 constituting the gripping portion of the handle. The outer end of each leg 15 and 16 is formed with a ball curvature-conforming surface 18 to which is applied a soft yieldable but preferably frictional engaging pad 19 such as felt, rubber or neoprene material. As hereindicated, the padded surfaces are adapted to engage the ball 10 on either side of the finger hole 11. In the form of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive, it is of no consequence for what oriented relation the engagement of the pads 19 to the ball surfaces have with respect to other grip holes in the ball, since the single hole 11 only is utilized in the use of this form of the device.

At the forward portion of the grip section 17 where that section converges with the front leg 15, a dome 20 is provided of suitable form to receive the forward portion of the hand as it grasps the grip 17. In such gripping position, the thumb and first finger are adapted to straddle the grip 17 while the intermediate hand portion bears forwardly against the dome 20. The right-hand side piece 13 and left-hand side piece 12 may also be provided with a grip-forming butt 21 against which the' heel of the gripping hand may hear so as to provide a snug hand-receiving area between the dome and butt. It will, of course, be understood that the design and configuration of the grip thus formed may be as preferred by the user, and may be varied and modified as desired. The handle here shown is designed for right-handed bowlers, but in forming the butt 21 or the opposite side member 13, a similar grip for left-handed bowlers may be provided.

The hole-engaging member of the present invention comprises a generally cylindrical rubber neoprene or like elastomer plug 25 which as shown in Figures 3 and 5, is in normal relaxed position of substantially less external diameter than the internal diameter of the hole 11. Thus the plug 25 when so relaxed may be readily inserted or withdrawn from the hole 11. The plug 25 is mounted upon a stem 26 to which it is loosely secured by a pressure washer 26a and nut 27. The stem 26 is guided by and slidably mounted in a sleeve 28, secured in the forward leg 15 of the handle and preferably seated in cooperating recesses formed on the inner cooperative faces of the side members 12 and 13. The sleeve 28 is fixed in the handle structure and includes a lower fixed pressure head 29 encircling the stem 26 above the plug 25 and of less diameter than the plug to be recessed in the hole 11 with the plug. By this arrangement it will be seen that as pressure is applied to the resilient plug 25 between pressure washer 26 and pressure head 29, shortening of the length of the plug will cause an expansion of the diameter so that by such expansion the plug will securely engage the side walls of the hole 11 to permit lifting of the ball by the handle.

For actuating the stem 26 to control the application and release of longitudinal pressure and hence the expansion and relaxing of the plug, a finger lever 30 is provided formed at its forward end with parallel side bars 31 pivotally mounted upon a lower pintle 32 carried by a link 33, the upper end of which is secured for pivotal movement within the handle cavity upon an upper pintle 34. Pintle 34 is fixedly disposed transversely of the handle cavity preferably by engagement with the side walls of a pivot housing 35 secured in the cavity with the sleeve 28 to which it may be engaged as an integral part. The outer end of the finger lever handle 30 is formed with suitable finger recesses 36 and extends under and substantially parallel with the grip 17. Intermediate the recesses 36 and the pivotal mounting of the handle end at lower pintle 32 the side bars extend on either side of the sleeve 28. An actuating pin 38 extends between the bars 31 passing through a vertical slot 39 in the sleeve and engaging the stem 26 so that pressure of the fingers of the user may raise the stem to expand the plug. Upon release of such pressure the normal elasticity of the plug will return it to its relaxed longitudinally expanded and transversely contracted position.

From the foregoing it may be seen that with no finger pressure applied to the lever 30 the handle may be grasped by the grip 17, the plug freely inserted in the hole 11 and the pads 19 engaged with the ball surface on opposite sides of the hole. Upon such positioning the finger pressure may then lift the outer end of handle 30 upwardly thus raising the stem 26 and causing pressure washer 27 to squeeze the plug against pressure head 29 to expand the plug against the walls of the hole 11. By such expansion the handle will be firmly secured to the ball and the ball may thus be swung freely by the player. In bowling, as the player swings the ball to the far end of its forward motion the normal relaxing of the fingers, as in'releasing a ball in conventional bowling, will release handle 30, the plug will resume its relaxed position and the ball will accurately follow the path directed by the skill and timing of the player. As noted in such throwing, the same muscles, coordination and rhythm will produce the same accuracy and control as results in direct gripping of the ball by the player. Thus, a true simulation of play is produced permitting those Whose handicaps preclude conventional finger gripping to compete in the same manner as those not so fortunate.

A further bowling skill, that of throwing a curved ball by applying a spin or English to the ball as it is thrown, may be achieved by the use of that form of the invention shown in Figure 6. In that form of the invention the handle in general is of a form substantially as shown in Figure 6 and like members of Figure 6 correspond to parts shown and discussed with respect to Figures 1 to 5. It will be understood, however, that the inventive aspects of Figure 6 are not limited to association with the structure shown in Figures 1 to 5 and that the spin applying means of Figure 6 may be incorporated with substantially different types of handles releasably engaged with the ball by other means. However, the particular structure for producing spin shown in Figure 6 is particularly adapted for use with the handle of Figures 1 to 5 and a combination, correlation and cooperation of parts is therein depicted.

Thus to permit the player to apply a spinning movement to the ball, in addition to its rolling movement, the rear handle 16 is formed with a base 40 within which is pivotally mounted as at 41 a second stem 42 provided at its lower end with a rubber, neoprene, plastic or wooden plug 43 secured between washers 44 and nuts 45. Since the plug 43 is not expansible or contractible, the nuts and washers are fixed on the stem against accidental relative movement. The plug 43 is also preferably much smaller in diameter than the plug 25 and may thus be freely inserted and Withdrawn from a smaller finger hole 47 of the ball, which is provided adjacent the larger thumb hole 11. A coil spring 48 is mounted by an adjusting nut 49 to extend into the base 40 transversely of its axis and to bear against the stem 42 above its pivot 41 normally urging the stem to hold the plug laterally away from the plug 25. The arrangement is such that in such outwardly urged position the plug 43 is spaced from plug 25 a distance greater than the spacing between holes 11 and 47. Thus, compression of spring 43 and movement of the stem 42 to a median position is required to insert both plugs in the holes and thereafter release of tension on spring 48 will urge plug 43 into frictional contact with the side of hole 47.

For control of the stem 42 a second curved lever 50 is provided disposed within a recess 51 of the grip 17 and mounted for pivotal movement at a transverse pin 52. The outer terminal control end 53 of lever 50 lies above the grip portion 17 and is adapted to be engaged by the inner palm portion of the hand as the ball is thrown. The opposite inner end 54 of lever 50 slidably bears against the upper end of stem 42. By this arrangement it will be seen that as the lever 50 is depressed by a hand grip on the portion 17 the stem 42 will be rocked through its intermediate position in line with hole 47, at which time it may be inserted, to a substantially fully applied position, as shown by the dotted lines of Figure 6 to engage the whole wall of hole 47 adjacent the hole 11.

In use it will readily be seen that with the structure of Figure 6 the ball is engaged by two spaced elements mounted on the spaced handle legs 15 and 16 and releasably engaging special holes of the ball. Thus, as the ball is thrown a wrist rotation will apply a spin to the ball in a direction and at such intensity as the player may dictate. It is important to note that in so applying the spin, the same technique and the same muscles and coordination is applied as when spin is applied by finger contact with the ball. It will also be noted that since the plug 43 is smaller than hole 47 and the stem 42 is urged against lever 50 only by spring tension, the plug will freely slip from its hole as the ball is released.

From the foregoing it will be seen that in both forms of the invention a novel, simple, eflicient and effective bowling ball handle is provided by the use of which the same skills are required as in direct grasping of the ball and hence the development and use of such skill will be common to both direct grip and handle using bowlers. It will, of course, be understood that the invention is not limited or restricted to the structural features here shown or the combination or arrangement of parts here presented, and that changes, modifications and the full use of equivalents are therefore contemplated in the practice of the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as outlined in the appended claim.

The invention claimed is:

A bowling ball handle comprising: a substantially U- shaped grip member, ball surface-engaging areas formed on the ends of the legs of said grip, a resilient cylindrical ball hole-engaging plug carried by said grip, and fingercontrolled means adjacent said grip for releasably applying expanding pressure to said plug, said means comprising an axially movable rod extending through said plug, a washer on said rod engaging one end of said plug and a relatively fixed abutment engaging the opposite end of said plug.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 676,024 Berens June 11, 1901 875,397 Willis Dec. 31, 1907 1,939,569 Pfister Dec. 12, 1933 2,147,907 MacChesney Feb. 21, 1939 2,446,661 Murdock Aug. 10, 1948 

